MOWRY, TOM MONTGOMERY Tom Montgomery Mowry was 98 years young when he passed away, December 4, 2012, from complications from a fall the day before. Tom was born April 12, 1914 in Alliance, Ohio to John Logan Mowry and Eleanor Montgomery Huston Mowry. A brother John and a sister Ann pre-deceased him. Tom led a rich, fulfilling life and has always been an inspiration to all those who knew him. His wonderful attitude made him loved in the community. Tom was a member of La Jolla Presbyterian Church. He grew up in Alliance, graduated from High School in 1931 and attended Mt. Union College in Alliance. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and graduated from Mt. Union in 1935. Over the years the Mt. Union football teams and their excellence were a source of interest to Tom. He met his wife, Martha, pre-deceased in 2003, when he purchased her father's insurance agency and moved to Mansfield. They were married in 1942 and a month later he was drafted into the Army as a Private earning $21.00 a month. Four months later he was sent to Officer Candidate School at Fort Knox, KY and 90 days later he was a 2nd Lieutenant. They called these men "90 Day Wonders." Martha was able to join Tom in the various places where he was stationed, until 1944 when he was sent overseas with the 12th Armored Division, serving in France defending the Maginot Line. Martha returned to live in Ohio with her sister and mother and their first child, Faith, was born in 1944. Faith was so named because Martha had "Faith" that Tom would return from World War II safely - as he did. Tom returned home in 1945 as a Major. (His children later affectionately called him The Major). Two sons were born, John in 1947 and Jeff in 1950. The family lived in Mansfield, Ohio with Tom running his insurance company. As a side occupation, Tom and Martha built and opened the Motor Hotel in 1949, which they sold in 1955. He included the whole family in this adventure, hiring his kids to help out with the mowing of the lawn and planting flowers and weeding! Martha painted watercolors for each of the rooms and often worked at the switchboard. A road trip west for the family in 1956 was a turning point in their lives. An Ohio friend said to be sure to visit La Jolla on the trip, as it was a beautiful spot. The family did, staying for a week in a cottage at the Shell Beach Apartments. After the return home, Tom and Martha told the family that they would be living in La Jolla for nine months, to see what it was like! During the nine months, Tom sold real estate from the S.M. Simmonds office located in The Colonial Hotel. The nine months stretched into the rest of their lives and could not have made them happier. He soon was a partner with Willis Allen and they formed The Allen Insurance Agency. Tom was always the most positive, inspirational and loving person. He never judged anyone for any reason. His walks with his lovely wife Martha were legendary in the La Jolla community. Martha passed the cooking torch to Tom around 1990 and he gladly accepted. He continued to bake his whole wheat bread from scratch. Tom and his pals enjoyed their weekly golf game. At 98 he still played golf! He cared for Martha throughout most of her Alzheimer's, never complaining and always helping her remember things. During this sad time his bravery, strength and love will always be remembered and admired. He is survived by his three children, Faith (and husband Norm) of State College, PA, John of La Jolla, CA and Jeff (and wife Ann) of Morro Bay, CA, six grandchildren, Max Clifford (and his wife Robyn), Alex Clifford and Martha Clifford, Whitney Bush (and her husband Justin) and Tom Mowry, and Colburn Mowry; and four great- grandchildren, Nina Clifford, Molly and Tom Clifford and Ryder Mowry. Tom will be sorely missed but long remembered by his family. Tom was a man of dignity and his word was gold.
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We are saddened by the passing of our friendly neighbor Tom. He was a genuinely warm and kind man who greeted us by name nearly daily for the past 17 years. He will be sorely missed. Our heart-felt condolences to his family.
Julian, Kathleen & Ursula
January 9, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences and may the God of comfort be with you during this most difficult time. He is near to those calling upon his name. Ps 145:18
January 7, 2013
Tom was a Delight, smiling and friendly. The neighborhood will miss him!
Francis & Kathi
December 17, 2012
I'm sendig a prayer that your warm memories will help to ease your grief and bring some comfort. Tom was a wonderful man and a wonderful neighbor. I will miss him!
DONA WHITAKER
December 16, 2012
I am so sad to learn of Tom's passing. I will so miss seeing him as he passed by our house on Pepita Way on his daily walks. He always had a smile and a friendly wave and he was always so neatly dressed. I would have guessed he was in his 70s, not 98! What a wonderful full life he led - he is an inspiration to us all. With Love and condolences to his family.
Bill and Kitty
December 16, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom
Tom McMeekan
December 16, 2012
I will miss talking to Mr Mowry and seeing him out walking the streets of La Jolla. He came by my business to see what was going on every month or so for the past 25 years. He always had a positive thing to say. I feel for his family's loss but also know that he had a fantastic life and they were very lucky to have him for a father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be remembered in many people's hearts.
Mark Quint
December 15, 2012
It was a pleasure talking to Tom every morning as he and Joe visited us at the Wells Fargo La Jolla branch. He always brightened my day and I will miss him. My condolences to the Montgomery Mowry family.
Paul Rangel
December 14, 2012
We will miss your father coming into our office on his walks and reading the Wall Street Journal. He was a kind man and always seemed content. Sorry to hear of his passing.
John Hicks
December 14, 2012
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